One of the few reprieves the universities are getting is a $5 million addition specifically earmarked for “economic freedom schools.” However, many lawmakers have no idea what an “economic freedom school” or center is.

As you work on a budget that best serves Arizona families today, we hope you bear in mind the fundamental role higher education and our system of public universities play in shaping the kind of future we all want for Arizona.

Hours after the experts had their say – the budget analysts, representatives from the Arizona Board of Regents, and the presidents of the Grand Canyon State’s public universities – the public had a chance to testify before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Jan. 27. Senators got more than they bargained for.

Arizona’s tech and innovation sectors are taking off, with some industry watchers dubbing the Phoenix metro area the “Silicon Desert” for its surge in local entrepreneurial startups and national tech companies expanding here.

While other legislators worry about the cuts to higher ed and are exploring ways to restore the funding, Biggs said the universities have not indicated that they expect enrollment to go down. A statement Biggs emailed to our reporter via Senate spokesman Mike Philipsen shows no indication he is willing to consider adding back funding to the universities, and indicates that he believes the universities will thrive, despite the cuts.